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On May 29, 2025, the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) officially launched its latest addition to the Enhanced Construction Program (ECP) 鈥� the Electrical School in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 773. The event, held at the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners Of America Local 494 (UBCJA) training facility in Oldcastle, marked a significant expansion of the Board鈥檚 highly successful hands-on skilled trades programming.
In attendance were Director of Education Vicki Houston, GECDSB staff, students, union representatives, and members of the media, all celebrating the new pilot initiative that connects high school education with real-world trade experience. The partnership builds on the existing collaboration with the UBCJA Local 494.
Beginning in September 2025, the new program will offer Grade 11 students an immersive educational experience based out of the IBEW Local 773 Training Centre in Windsor. The first semester will feature a blend of academic and technical instruction, followed by a full-semester cooperative education placement that allows students to earn four high school credits while gaining on-the-job experience in the electrical field.
鈥淧rograms like this are not only about preparing students for employment鈥攖hey're about empowering confident, capable learners. They鈥檙e about showing students that their unique paths are valid, valuable, and full of promise,鈥� said Director Houston. 鈥淭hank you to all the educators, tradespeople, and partners who have helped make today a reality. I am honoured to be part of this moment, and I can鈥檛 wait to see how this program grows and what our students will achieve.鈥�
Students in the program will be supported by GECDSB Math and English teachers and will have access to flexible learning options, including e-learning, to help them fulfill graduation requirements. The initiative reflects the Board鈥檚 commitment to student success and the growing need for skilled trades professionals in the community.
Logan Kane, UBCJA Area Training Manager for Southwestern Ontario, added, 鈥淭his program has allowed students to have real-world opportunities in the classroom and put real futures in their hands. What we've been able to build is something that extends beyond the curriculum and results in meaningful careers. What sets this program apart from a typical high school experience is simple 鈥� they鈥檙e not talking about construction; they are learning construction鈥hese students are gaining real-world experience in real-world environments.鈥�
Thank you to Justin St. Pierre, Trent Durocher, Jason Lepain and all GECDSB staff and students who have helped to make this program possible.
Please contact your guidance department to find out how to register today! If you have specific questions about the program or are in employer looking to engage with our SHSM students please reach out to [email protected].